Committee on Literacy

Charge

To develop and recommend the association's policies related to the promotion of literacy; to develop and encourage the development of programs, educational opportunities, and other resources that assist librarians and libraries in promoting literacy; to raise the awareness of literacy within the association; to work cooperatively with the literacy assembly, the office for literacy and outreach services and its advisory committee, and other ALA units, including the Washington Office, on efforts that have a literacy focus; to develop and maintain partnerships with national literacy organizations.

Composition

The Committee on Literacy consists of 10 members appointed by the Committee on Appointments, in cooperation with the ALA president-elect, serving 2 year staggered terms and led by a chair, appointed annually.

Subcommittees & Task Forces

Literacy Assembly

Literacy Providers Subcommittee

Literacy Program Subcommittee

Research-to-Practice Discussion Group

Definition of Literacy

Adopted by the Committee on Literacy June 24, 2005, at its meeting during ALA Annual Conference in Chicago:

[Literacy is defined as the ability to use] "printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential." United States Department of Education, 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy.